Nicholas Tonev
After the destruction of an American drone by Russian fighters, the situation remains difficult above the Black Sea. Faced with the Ukrainian conflict, the flights of drones and military planes are increasing over this stretch of water, with the aim of spying on the adversary.
Nearly 48 hours after the downing of an American drone in the Black Sea, after an interception by Russian fighters, the Russian and American defense ministers spoke by telephone. Washington reaffirms its right to fly where permitted by international law. But this area of the Black Sea has become extremely sensitive and dangerous with the flight bans decreed by the Russians and the intelligence and defense flights of the various countries in the region.
Sustained traffic
Because on an aerial scale, everything is played out in a pocket handkerchief. Around the Black Sea, four countries with sometimes non-existent diplomatic relations since the start of the Russian invasion: Romania, a member of NATO, Moldova, Ukraine and the areas occupied by Russia, including Crimea. So, above the expanse of water, a growing number of planes, intelligence drones and fighters protecting each other’s borders are activated. All show the same desire: to reach the limits to work as efficiently as possible.
Protect the secrecy of military activities behind the front
Especially since each machine has its own characteristics: slowness and endurance for drones, low-altitude flight for anti-submarine warfare planes, interception and speed for hunters. The simple technical cohabitation of these different means is complicated, especially with the decisive stakes of the current war.
The intelligence of the American means gives a head start to the Ukrainians. On the Russian side, it is a matter of protecting the secrecy of military activities behind the front and the Black Sea Fleet. Because part of the Moscow staff thinks that it was an American reconnaissance plane that allowed Kiev to sink the Moskva, its flagship, in April 2022.